Fire Pit Burns & Explosions

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Flame Jetting Explosions & Pool Fires: Ethanol and Gel Fuel Dangers

Nationwide Legal Help for Fire Pit Explosion Victims

Board-Certified Trial Lawyer | Former Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas | Licensed in Texas & New York

Flame jetting and pool fires have injured and killed dozens of people across the United States. These violent explosions happen when unexpectedly — often during refueling of a tabletop fire pit or decorative burner. The resulting blast can send a jet of fire across a room or cause a pool of burning liquid fuel to spread rapidly across a table, patio, deck, or person.

Board-Certified Personal Injury Lawyer David P. Willis representing victims in defective fire pit and fuel explosion lawsuits nationwideAt FirePitLawsuits.com, we help victims of these fire pit accidents and flame jetting explosions and pool fire accidents hold negligent manufacturers and distributors accountable. Attorney David P. Willis, a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified since 1988 by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, represents burn victims nationwide. A former attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, Willis is licensed in Texas and New York and works with associated counsel throughout the U.S. on catastrophic burn and defective product cases.

Understanding Flame Jetting and Pool Fires

Flame jetting occurs when vapors from a liquid or gel fuel ignite during refueling, creating a sudden torch-like fireball.

Pooling or pool fires occur when burning fuel spills or overflows, spreading flames across horizontal surfaces.
In many incidents, both events occur simultaneously — a flame jet blasts from the bottle, igniting a pool of spilled fuel, and engulfing nearby victims in seconds.

These explosions are especially common with tabletop fire pits, patio torches, and decorative burners fueled by ethanol, isopropanol, or gelled alcohol blends. Invisible alcohol flames and vapors make it nearly impossible for consumers to know when it’s safe to refuel.

How Flame Jetting Pool Fires Happen with Fire Pits

Alcohol-fueled fire pit erupts in jet of flame during refilling, resulting in serious burn injuries at patio table

Most incidents follow a predictable and preventable pattern:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have documented dozens of such events. Victims have suffered second- and third-degree burns, permanent disfigurement, and in many cases, fatal injuries.

Key Defects That Lead to Flame Jetting Pool Fires

Manufacturers have repeatedly ignored simple engineering safeguards that could prevent these explosions. Common product failures include:

When profit outweighs safety, the result is catastrophic.

Real-World Flame Jetting Explosion Examples

ethanol or bioethanol fuel poured on a fire pit causes massive explosion or fire jetting injures and burns

Manufacturers have repeatedly ignored simple engineering safeguards that could prevent these explosions. Common product failures include:

These accidents are not rare “user errors” — they are the predictable result of defective product design.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Flame Jetting and Pool Fire Injuries

Manufacturers have Multiple parties can share liability: ignored simple engineering safeguards that could prevent these explosions. Common product failures include:

  • The manufacturer of the fire pit, torch, or fuel
  • The distributor or retailer (including online marketplaces)
  • Private-label importers selling foreign-made fuels without safety testing
  • Component suppliers who made defective caps, valves, or seals
  • Property owners or event hosts who used prohibited fuels in enclosed spaces

The Willis Law Firm investigates each layer of responsibility using engineering experts and burn reconstruction specialists.

Common Injuries in Flame Jetting - Pool Fire Cases

Victims often suffer catastrophic burns that require months of surgeries and rehabilitation. Typical injuries include:

These injuries frequently result in lifelong medical costs exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Victims may recover compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment.

How to Preserve Evidence After a Fire Pit or Gel Fuel Explosion

Preserving evidence is essential for building a strong case. Victims should:

Attorney Willis’s team issues evidence preservation letters to prevent companies from destroying key evidence during investigations.

Safety Agencies and Recall Warnings of Fire Pits

Several manufacturers and retailers have issued CPSC recalls for ethanol and gel fuel fire pits linked to flame jetting and pool fires. Consumers should review official government data before using any fire pit product. Recommended resources:

Why Victims File Flame Jetting Explosion Lawsuits

Lawsuits are not only about compensation — they force companies to recall dangerous products and change manufacturing practices. Through litigation, victims have exposed:

These cases often lead to nationwide settlements when multiple victims are burned by the same brand or fuel type.

How Attorney David P. Willis Helps Victims Nationwide

David P. Willis is among the few attorneys in the U.S. with decades of experience in catastrophic fire, explosion, and product defect litigation. His credentials include:

Every case is handled on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no fees unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flame Jetting Pool Fire Lawsuits

It’s when ethanol or gel fuel ignites during pouring, sending a jet of fire outward and creating a spreading pool of burning liquid fuel.

Many have been recalled by the CPSC, but thousands remain on the market or resold online through third-party vendors.

Yes. Victims can file product liability claims for design defects, inadequate warnings, or failure to include flame arrestors.

Tabletop fire pits, patio torches, ethanol burners, and gel-fueled decorative lamps are most commonly involved.

Each state has a statute of limitations — usually one to three years from the injury date. Contact an attorney promptly.

Contact FirePitLawsuits.com for a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered burns or scars from a flame jetting explosion or ethanol pool fire of a tabletop fire pit or its fuel, you deserve answers. These accidents are preventable and often linked to defective design and negligent labeling.

Call Cases Handled on a No Fees Unless Your Win Basis.

Visit Fire Pit Injury – Free Case Consultation to submit your claim.

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